Jones Co. coroner identifies two killed in Sunday storms

PINE BELT (WDAM) - Coroner Burl Hall has identified the two people who were killed in Jones County during Sunday’s tornado outbreak.

Hall said the storms claimed the lives of Sara Ward in Soso and Jessica Spradley near the Moss community.

Ward, 83, was found near her the house of her niece, Vanessa Thomas.

“I hope she didn’t suffer," Thomas said. "It’s just devastating.”

In addition to the deaths in Jones County, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency confirmed four deaths in Jefferson Davis County, two deaths in Lawrence County and and single deaths in Walthall, Panola and Carroll counties.

Sunday evening, Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency for areas ravaged by the storms.

“This is not how anyone wants to celebrate Easter Sunday. As we reflect on the death and resurrection on this Easter Sunday, we have faith that we will all rise together. To the people of Mississippi, know that you are not alone. The state and our first responders are working around the clock and will not rest until this is over. We are mobilizing all resources available to protect our people and their property,” Reeves said in a statement.